There was plenty to look at in the new Top Gun 2 trailer also happens in a surprising and sentimental way that shows this sequel will still one of the previous film's best characters.
Played by Anthony Edwards, Goose was a key part of the original Top Gun. As Maverick's level-headed partner-in-crime, Goose stuck by his best friend's side, whether in the air or on the ground. He would Maverick whenever he got in trouble with the commanding officers, a sign of a true friend in the Top Gun world. Goose helped Maverick woo Charlie at a bar with a gloriously off-key rendition of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling." He even gave Maverick a taste of domestic life, including him in family outings with his wife, Carole, and their son, Bradley. Things took a tragic turn when Goose was killed in an accident during a training exercise. He fatally hit his head as he and Maverick tried to eject out of the cockpit when Maverick's engines failed. Completly guilt-ridden over Goose's death, Maverick considered quitting the program and retiring.
As we see in the Top Gun: Maverick trailer, Maverick didn't quit being a pilot. He put in more than 30 years as a Navy fighter pilot and still isn't ready to retire. And, it seems, Maverick has a reminder in front of him every day as he gets ready for work why he's doing what he's doing: there's a yellowing photo of Goose hung at eye-level in his locker. The inclusion of Goose's photo is sentimental, but also a solid Top Gun Easter egg.
There are plenty of other plot developments and character reveals in the Top Gun 2 trailer. The trailer features the first looks at new cast Ed Harris, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller as Bradley. Bradley sports a similar mustache to his dad's and, as glimpsed during a particularly rowdy moment with his fellow recruits, has just as much spirit, too.
The memory of Goose will live on in a few notable ways in Top Gun: Maverick. The appearance of Bradley, who Maverick will no doubt take under his wing, is a big one. But also including a photo of Goose and putting it in a meaningful place in Maverick's locker is also very notable. It's the perfect homage to the memory of a good friend.
